Review: Karora Tinted Self Tan Mist

While the rest of the country has been battling a polar vortex, Southern California is finally experiencing only slightly cooler weather, which means no more beach days for now. As the temperatures drop, I start reaching for self tanners more. Recently, I’ve been testing another one by Karora, the brand behind my #1 favorite self tanner. I fell in love with their Express Bronzing Mousse earlier this year and have been eager to test some of their other products.

Application

Unlike the Express Bronzing Mousse, Karora’s Self Tan Mist dispenses product through a spray nozzle. You can aim the tanner straight onto your body and rub it in, or spray it directly onto a tanning mitt and apply to your body from there. The mist is extremely lightweight and it’s tinted so you can see what you’re doing, eliminating the possibility of streaks. It dries a lot faster than the Bronzing Mousse which is really nice when you’re in a hurry. I’m able to get dressed within 5 minutes of applying. One of the best things about Karora’s products are the smells! They never leave you yearning for a shower. The Tinted Self Tan Mist has a nice citrus scent that completely fades once it’s dry. At the very end of the day, I did notice a slight “self tan smell” when I put my nose to my skin, but I don’t think it would be noticeable to anyone else but myself.

The Color

I was testing the light/medium shade of the Self Tan Mist and found that it gave me an extremely natural tan. This would be a great winter self-tanner, when you want the shade of your body to look believable. For my specific skin tone, and the fact that I live in a climate that remains sunny all year long, I would choose the medium/dark shade next time.

Karora’s Self Tan Mist also layers beautifully over a real tan! I was in Hawaii over the Summer and when I got home, I applied the Self Tan Mist in order to even out my tan lines. The tanner bumped up my natural tan by one shade, and also gave it depth and glow. It was fabulous, I highly recommend layering your tans!

Longevity/Fading Process

Since Karora’s Self Tan Mist looks so natural and didn’t add a ton of color, I found the fading process to be easy and relatively unnoticeable. It started fading about 5 days in, and was completely gone by the 7th day. As it faded, I did see a tiny bit of speckling on the areas of my body that move, such as my wrists and the crease between my lower arm and upper arm.

I am such a fan of this brand and their products. I still find myself reaching for the Express Bronzing Mousse more, but the Tinted Self Tan Mist is a wonderful tanner and I highly recommend checking it out. You can find Karora at Ulta stores, or online.

Will it be Going in my Kit?

Not applicable as it would take too long to develop. I need instant results on set.

Cruelty Free?

Yes

Natural and/or Environmentally Friendly?

According to the brand, “Karora products are made using only organic and natural extracts and contain no parabens, artificial fragrances, synthetic colours or harsh chemical ingredients.” The product is not 100% plant based but for the most part, it does contain “low risk” ingredients. I recommend doing research on the individual ingredients if you are especially concerned about chemicals/toxins in your beauty products.

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me by the company. I pride myself in providing my readers with honest feedback of the products I am using. I will not recommend something I would not use personally and/or professionally. Sending me product does not guarantee a review and I accept no monetary compensation for in exchange for positive reviews.

I am a freelance makeup artist in Los Angeles working mainly in print and television. Makeup and traveling are my passion and my heart resides at La Isla De Los Monos Monkey Rescue Center in the Peruvian Amazon.